Method

In large skillet, fry pancetta over medium-high heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels.

Drain off all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) fat from pan. Fry onions, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden, about 18 minutes. Stir in parsley and pancetta.

Meanwhile, split each pita in half into rounds; place, cut side up, on large rimmed baking sheet. Brush with oil. Bake in 400°F (200° C) oven until beginning to crisp, about 5 minutes.

Top each pita round with heaping 1/4 cup (50 mL)of the onion mixture; form well large enough to hold egg in mixture. Crack 1 egg into each well. Bake until whites are firm and yolks are soft, about 15 minutes.

Herbed Cheese Pinwheels

These savoury cheese-filled pastries come together in minutes and can be personalized to suit your tastes. Try cooked bacon and Cheddar, sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, or sliced pitted olives and Havarti.

Method

In large bowl, beat butter with sugar until fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions. Stir in cherries; knead gently just until dough comes together.

Divide dough into thirds. Working one-third at a time, place dough on large piece of plastic wrap. Covering loosely with plastic wrap, shape into 8-inch (20 cm) long log. Flatten sides to form 1-inch (2.5 cm) tall rectangle; twist ends of plastic wrap to seal. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. (Make-ahead: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before continuing with recipe.)

Buttery Herbed Seafood with White Wine

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This festive main is exactly how we like our holiday meals: bursting with flavour and easy to make. The seafood is best cooked at the last minute, but the dish comes together quickly once you turn on the stove. Take the time to prep the ingredients well in advance of mealtime, then get cooking about half an hour before serving.

Method

In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat; working in batches, sauté shrimp and scallops until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout and scallops are golden and opaque, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to plate; keep warm.

In same pan, melt 1 tbsp of the butter over medium heat; cook shallots, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and hot pepper flakes; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in wine; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by three-quarters, about 7 minutes. Pour in broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 7 minutes.

The Ultimate Beef Stew

This classic warm-you-up stew becomes even more comforting when made with well-marbled pot roast rather than the usual stewing beef. The fat melts slowly as it cooks, tenderizing the beef into juicy melt-in-your-mouth morsels. A slow finish in the oven gives the stew its rich, hearty texture.

Method

In large bowl, whisk together flour, salt and pepper; toss with beef to coat.

In large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp of the butter and the oil over medium heat; working in small batches, cook beef, stirring, until browned, about 20 minutes total. Using slotted spoon, remove to bowl; set aside.

Cover and braise in 350 F (180 C) oven for 45 minutes. Stir in cocktail onions; cover and braise for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook until vegetables are tender and beef offers no resistance when pierced with tip of knife, 30 to 40 minutes. Stir in peas; cook for 5 minutes.

Skim any fat from surface of stew; remove thyme, parsley and bay leaves. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Change it up - The Ultimate Beef and Mushroom Stew: In large Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat; cook 1 pkg (227 g) button or cremini mushrooms, trimmed, stirring occasionally, until tender, golden and no liquid remains, about 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, remove to bowl; set aside. Continue with recipe as directed, returning mushrooms to Dutch oven along with beef.